Running and Laughing through the Garden State
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different types and brands of collagen. I’ve written a dozen posts about the uses and benefits of collagen, but it’s been a few months. Continue reading “Naked Nutrition Collagen Review”
You know when you have a good week of training and you don’t want to jinx it? Just me?
Last week felt good. I’m starting to build my base up for some (hopefully) faster shorter races in the Spring. I was able to get the mileage I wanted. The goal right now is to build quality weeks. Most of my speed will come informally from fartleks and races. In a few weeks, I’ll incorporate fast, speed workouts.
| Monday: | Easy 6.3 miles |
| Tuesday: | Easy 6.3 miles |
| Wednesday: | 10 miles with Kris |
| Thursday: | 4 miles with strides+hike with Jen |
| Friday: | 6 miles easy |
| Saturday: | Easy 10 miles |
| Sunday: | 12.5 miles with 2X400s at the end (6:50, 6:38) |
On paper, this wasn’t supposed to be a busy week of life for me at all. I thought it would be easy with not much excitement. Plans started popping up and it ended up being active every day. I was happy to get the mileage in. November, December, and January are going to focus on building back mileage and trying to get back to shorter stuff.
I’ve started using my watch more so I have a better idea of the distance I’m running. Based on this year with races, my “easy run pace” should be between 8:50-10 mins, but if I run 10:15, I’m not worried about it. I’m excited to start training and getting back into shape for shorter races. It’s going to be a long road, but I’m looking forward to the days when sub 1:30 half marathons feel “easy” again.
Hiking the Pulpit Rock-Pinnacle Loop (Appalachian Trail)
Cpl. Marc T. Ryan Memorial 5k (21:38)
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Are you running a turkey trot next week?
What is your favorite distance to run?
My oh my, where did August go?
But seriously, I guess the fastest way to get through the summer is training for a marathon. I think the 2019 summer flew by faster than any other. Technically, summer doesn’t end up late September, and I’m running a “summer” marathon next week. But unofficially, it’s pumpkin spice time.
Miles Run: Around 220
Range of Paces: 6:07-11:15-timed
Rest Days: 5
Longest Run: 20 miles (Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon+7).
Shortest Run: 2 miles
Swimming: 3X (6000 meters total)
Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon (1:33.58)
Asbury Park Sheehan Classic 5k (20:04)
I had a solid month or training. I finally feel as though I gained “some sort of fitness.” Of any of my marathon training months, this was the best. That being said, I’m not anywhere close to where my previous fitness level was. I feel like I’m ready to run my marathon. I don’t know what the day will bring. It’s a downhill course, (my PR at NYCM is hilly), but I also ran the Pheonix Marathon (which was downhill), and my legs didn’t love that.
I’ve done more downhill miles in preparation. I’m also not in as good of shape as NYCM. So whatever happens, happens. My goal has always been to make it to the start and finish line healthy. I don’t have a time goal but a goal to finish healthy.
I wanted to swim more, but I didn’t have the time nor the energy. After my marathon, I’m looking forward to resting and getting in the pool more.
Other then that, it was a good month of both life and running. I might not be running close to PRs, but I’m healthy and injury-free, which is a lot more than I can say for several Augusts.
Hiking:
Exploring Box Canyon Falls (Ouray, Co)
Exploring Ridgway State Park (Colorado)
Shoe Reviews:
Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review
Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about fueling.
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
Do you have a goal race this fall?
As most people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador, and in exchange for a post a month, Vital Proteins will send me new products to try.
I’ve written about the health benefits of Vital Proteins and Collagen before as well as how Collagen protein has helped me recover from workouts.
There are four different flavors:
I am lucky enough to try The Golden Milk.
The ingredient list of Vital Proteins Golden Milk is small. It’s made with chicken bone broth collagen, coconut milk, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper extract.
Like the Collagen Creamer, the Collagen Latte goes well into coffee, hot cocoa, and other frothy drinks. Since it’s the summer, I prefer something colder so tried my hand at making a cold beverage.
Both have a creamy consistency as well as collagen. The difference is their purpose and how to use them.
I’ve written about the collagen creamer before. It’s an excellent creamer. It is free of added sugars, dairy, and gluten. It’s not as creamy as full-fat milk, and I like it in hot cocoa the best. Vital Protein Collagen Creamers contain MCT, a healthy fat, in coconut milk. Each coconut creamer also contains 10 grams of collagen and protein. Finally, one of my favorite parts of any Vital Proteins Collagen product is the ingredients list. Each Vital Protein product is made with real food. There are no artificial sweeteners or refined sugars. Plus, the Collagen Creamer is also Dairy and Gluten-Free (it’s not critical for me, but I do know it is for many).
The Collagen Lattes are all dairy-free and have 10g of bone broth collagen. Like the Collagen Creamers, the Collagen Lattes also contain MCTs and are dairy and gluten-free. There are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives.
Two flavors Madagascar Vanilla and Golden Milk flavors contain no caffeine. The Cocoa Caramel and Hot Cocoa flavors each have 5 mg of caffeine.
The answer is neither!
Looking strictly at ingredients and nutrition facts both contain coconut milk powder, which means they are dairy-free. I’m not lactose intolerant, but my husband is, and they work well for him.
The creamer is best added to a drink like coffee or smoothie while the latte flavors can be drunk as a stand-alone drink.
The other main difference is the sourcing of the collagen. The creamer is sourced from collagen peptides. Also known as collagen peptides creamer. What are peptides? Collagen peptides act as building blocks for the body and help build stronger hair, nails, and joints.
The Collagen Lattes contains bone broth collagen. Bone broth is bones and cartilage and is better for bone health. As a runner, I like the added benefit of bone health.
You won’t go wrong for either, and it comes down to your preference. If you are looking for a healthier alternative for creamer, I would choose the creamer. If you want to substitute your coffee or morning drink altogether, the latte is a good place to start.
Right now I’m drinking Golden Milk which I like and highly recommend.
Thank you to Vital Proteins for sending the new Collagen Latte Golden Milk to try.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Collagen Lattes or Collagen Creamer?
What is your favorite type of creamer?
Last month was all about getting my mileage up for marathon training. t didn’t come easy either. Together with the heat, I’ve been much more tired. I haven’t run this “high” of mileage in a while. I am enjoying the process and training. Somedays are harder than others but I’m excited to have a goal to work towards.
June was a decent month of training and my best race was the first weekend of the month at the Scott Coffee 8k or the She Power Half Marathon.
The rest of the month wasn’t bad, but there was minimal excitement.
Total Miles: About 220
Longest Run: 16.8 miles
Shortest Run: 2 miles
Range of Paces: 6:20-11:12-untimed
Workouts: 4
Rest Days: 3 complete (several days I only swam)
Swimming: 7X (3000 meters each)
Races:
Scott Coffee 8k (33:03)
She Power Half (1:29.27)
Red Bank Classic 5k Recap
Bungalow Beach 5 Miler (34:14)
Pineland Striders 10k
As I up my mileage, I’m not surprised I’m more tired and my racing times are getting slower. I know my body is adjusting to multiple things including the increase of mileage as well as heat. I’ve run more personal worsts then bests in the last year but that’s okay.
I’m happy with how my running is going for where I’m at right now. I’ve gotten better about comparing myself to previous fitness levels. I’m just plugging along in the heat.
There wasn’t anything too exciting this month, although winning the Indianapolis Half was fun.
Next month is starting the nitty gritty of marathon training. The plan is to get a 20 miler in the last week of July which scares me. I’ve run 20 miles before but never in the middle of the summer.
Blog Posts From the Month:
Running Podcasts to Keep you Entertained
Does Collagen Help Post Workout Recovery?
Shoe Reviews:
Mizuno Waveknit R2 Shoe Review
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. This week I talked about dealing with heat and humidity. PLUS AN ENTIRE OUTFIT GIVEAWAY FROM RUNNERS LOVE YOGA.
In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.
Questions for you:
How was your month of training?
What was your best run?